Digitally processed geophysical data sets for identification of geological features in southern Iraq

Abstract EN

The conventional remotely-sensed satellite imagery is suited for regional investigations in areas of good exposures which are reduced in southern Iraq due to vegetation, water – covered areas and flat terrains.

An imagery produced from digitally processed geophysical data is an extremely powerful technique for identification of geological features in such areas of extreme economic importance.

By utilizing an appropriate digital processing, the geophysical contour maps have been converted to geophysical images.

Images produced from digitally processed geophysical data (gravity and aeromagnetic) have been analyzed by polynomial filtering (using several degrees ) allow major features to be delineated clearly.

An integrated image of gravity and aeromagnetic data sets has been produced using the best of polynomial filtering (6th degree residuals ) .

The interpretation of final output images shows the association of negative gravity and magnetic residual anomalies with some anticlinal structures , while positive residuals are associated with the others.

The positive residuals could be due to basement uplift , and the reversed values could be due to deep- seated light core probably salt beds.

Basrah depression exhibits negative residuals.